Attention: After many, many failed attempts, the much anticipated American Idol Video has successfully been posted. Please scroll down to see Freda's performance. And see if you can spot the judge who's not like the others...
Idaho is HOT. And windy. We descended from the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies directly into the 103 degree heat of the desert. The 30 mph head winds ALMOST got the best of us one afternoon when it took us 3.5 hours to ride the last 23 miles. Freda was convinced she was pedaling and not moving forward. But we persevered! And we beat Lance. Again.
Rexburg, ID was filled with SnowCone Shacks and the wonderful hospitality of Tony Perkins and Lana Grover. It was by far and away the softest grass we've ever slept on and the best milkshakes we've ever eaten. And your advice on our nutrition needs has led to our daily consumption of a quart of chocolate milk. Each. (Except Melissa). And a big thanks to Mike (the angel) from Idaho National Laboratories who magically appeared on the side of the road with cold Gatorade and Salted Nut Rolls because he'd seen us suffering for 2 days. Good luck on your 200 mile race! (in one day).
Now we're taking a rest day in Caldwell, ID. This should be our last rest day before we roll into the Pacific Ocean. We have to get over the Cascades. Everyone who told us it was all downhill from the Rockies was lying. Lying.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
#1: we were a little scared of radioactivity. but things are ok, i think. anyway, "all injuries are viewed as preventable."
#2: Lisa's new tent died. After about a week of use. Eureka has kindly sent her a new one.
#3: Sometimes I think Freda's tent looks like a cross between Slimer and the sandworms from Dune--especially when the mesh is closed.
#4: Waaaay too hot in the Boise valley to read inside the tent.
#5: Especially when your reading material is so steamy.
Grand Teton and Yellowstone Parks (Lisa's cousin has more pictures)
#1: The snow-capped mountain that we crossed
#2: In front of the Tetons. Lisa is NOT pregnant in this picture; she just wears funny clothes
#3: We taught our new friend, Kevin, to play Euchre
#4: Freda, with attitude
#5: Self-explanatory, I hope
Muddy Gap and Dubois...WY
#1: Truly the middle of nowhere
#2: Taken just before a 7 mile descent
#3: Going up into Grand Teton park
#4: We took pictures in our Dubois shirts for the people of Dubois, PA. There's also a Dubois, ID, but that was 20 miles off of our course. Sorry, guys.
Lisa rides the mechanical bull at the Wyoming state fair
In the end, she had to tell the operator that she was done because he could not get her to fall. Evidently, she has a second calling in bull riding. Note that she's getting air in the third picture.
At long last, the video...
The Caldwell, ID Library ROCKS!
Here is Freda's tryout. Basically, she's America's Idol. For further proof, check out the leg tan lines AND the shadows created by her calves of steel.
Here is Freda's tryout. Basically, she's America's Idol. For further proof, check out the leg tan lines AND the shadows created by her calves of steel.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Yikes! Internet is difficult to find in the west
Sorry--again!--that we haven't updated the blog in a while. We promised pictures and videos from Wyoming, but the internet in many of these places isn't fast enough to upload things. So you'll have to wait just a *bit* longer for that priceless video of Freda thrilling the crowd at the Wyoming Idol tryouts. I promise you; it's worth the wait.
But here is a brief update about our time in WY:
We left Casper with heavy hearts. Sutton and Rick were so great, and their house was so cozy... The ride was good, though, and we ate a delicious breakfast at the Sunrise Diner at mid-morning. Thanks to Francine for the awesome eats and for donating to CH. We rolled into our destination, Muddy Gap, pretty early that day. As luck would have it, another cross-country bike tour was passing through there (www.biketheUSforMS.org). First we met Don, Dustin and Dustin's incredible handlebar mustache. As we were all headed in the same direction for the next few days, Don and Mason (and the rest of the riders) generously offered to let us throw our panniers in their sag wagon and ride with them. So after "crushing" all of the blue freeze pops at the only gas station in miles, we freed ourselves from those 40 lb bicycle fetters and took off for Jeffrey City.
Do not camp in Jeffrey City. They have the largest, most aggressive mosquito population in this continent, I think.
The next few days were lovely. We had lots of new company, played some Euchre, ate a lot, didn't have to carry our bags, climbed some mountains (9600 ft!!), didn't get eaten by bears... so great! And to everyone who mentioned that the Tetons are spectacular: you are beyond right. On the way (down) into Moran Junction, the mountains came into full view. It was cold, yes, but absolutely worth the trek.
Yellowstone was wonderful as well. Lisa's parents and cousin, Adam, met us in West Thumb with...SWEET CORN! They also drove us to the parts of the park that we would have been too lazy to bike to (namely anything remotely off of our route) and put us up in a sweet hotel last night. There was a hot tub and a pool! Thanks a million for giving us the chance to rest, restock and refuel before the last leg of our trip. The venison jerkey is a lifesaver, by the way!
We will attempt to upload videos and pictures when we get to another spot that has internet, which we believe will be near Boise. Thanks again to everyone for the support!
But here is a brief update about our time in WY:
We left Casper with heavy hearts. Sutton and Rick were so great, and their house was so cozy... The ride was good, though, and we ate a delicious breakfast at the Sunrise Diner at mid-morning. Thanks to Francine for the awesome eats and for donating to CH. We rolled into our destination, Muddy Gap, pretty early that day. As luck would have it, another cross-country bike tour was passing through there (www.biketheUSforMS.org). First we met Don, Dustin and Dustin's incredible handlebar mustache. As we were all headed in the same direction for the next few days, Don and Mason (and the rest of the riders) generously offered to let us throw our panniers in their sag wagon and ride with them. So after "crushing" all of the blue freeze pops at the only gas station in miles, we freed ourselves from those 40 lb bicycle fetters and took off for Jeffrey City.
Do not camp in Jeffrey City. They have the largest, most aggressive mosquito population in this continent, I think.
The next few days were lovely. We had lots of new company, played some Euchre, ate a lot, didn't have to carry our bags, climbed some mountains (9600 ft!!), didn't get eaten by bears... so great! And to everyone who mentioned that the Tetons are spectacular: you are beyond right. On the way (down) into Moran Junction, the mountains came into full view. It was cold, yes, but absolutely worth the trek.
Yellowstone was wonderful as well. Lisa's parents and cousin, Adam, met us in West Thumb with...SWEET CORN! They also drove us to the parts of the park that we would have been too lazy to bike to (namely anything remotely off of our route) and put us up in a sweet hotel last night. There was a hot tub and a pool! Thanks a million for giving us the chance to rest, restock and refuel before the last leg of our trip. The venison jerkey is a lifesaver, by the way!
We will attempt to upload videos and pictures when we get to another spot that has internet, which we believe will be near Boise. Thanks again to everyone for the support!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Welcome to the West
As much as we loved Nebraska, arrival in Wyoming meant for all of us a true sense of accomplishment. I mean, we rode our bikes from Manhattan to the wild, wild West. And boy is it wild. There's really just not that much here. Three houses, occupied or not, constitutes a town. We have to be a little more careful about planning our rest stops because, you know, we need water every once in awhile. Lisa seems to need it less.
Before I get carried away, let me just thank Annette at the Bunk House Motel in Chadron, Nebraska because even though I couldn't find a place to get my legs waxed (see previous post), she made us feel right at home and didn't kick us out when we got bike grease all over, well, everything. This is a great place to stay if you're ever on Route 20.
So back to Wyoming. I think our entrance into Wyoming was the moment when we all realized exactly how incredible and awesome we are. Did I mention we rode our bikes to Wyoming? Have you ever even been to Wyoming? In a car? Probably not. You should, though. There may be only 500,000 people here, but they're all family. That's what we've been told. And they've adopted us. Our first night in Wyoming was after a rough 93-mile day that involved a construction-ridden hill into the wind when it was 100 degrees, dusty, muddy, trucks, you name it. We will never speak of it again. The folks at the Manville Community Alliance Church took us in and gave us use of their kitchen and backyard for the night. Thank you, and we're excited to be on the annual PowerPoint presentation.
From Manville, we basically beat Lance Armstrong as we flew to Casper, WY just in time for my Wyoming Idol audition (see video). In case you were wondering, we'll never know if I won. We didn't have time to stick around for the finals even though my presence was requested. And yes, the winner of Wyoming Idol goes on to compete in the Fox extravaganza.
While I was performing, Melissa met the nicest woman in Wyoming. Sutton kidnapped us and took us to "the most beautiful spot in all of Wyoming." She wasn't lying. Right now we're watching the river flow by as elk and antelope frolic in the surrounding hills. Sutton also took us out to Poor Boys' Steakhouse where we each put 16 oz. of delicious, juicy, mouthwatering, decadent, tender, sumptuous slabs of red meat into our systems which we expect to power us through the looming ... In case we were worried, she and her husband, Rick, also took us out for pasta at Red Lobster the next day for lunch. Thank you both so much for your hospitality and kindness. Meeting people like you is what makes this trip what it is.
A stop at Ragged Edge Bike Shop revealed some slight maintenance issues, and the mechanics were a bit concerned, but duly impressed with my "burliness." They said that the only dude who was more hardcore than we had not only done the trip solo with one outfit, but also strapped a dead bat to his handlebars. Yeah, he wins.
Finally, I have an announcement. After much harassment and many days of suffering both on and off the bike, Lisa has finally purchased a new tent, complete with an escape hatch in the roof. This new item has lowered her total weight by at least 7 pounds. To cut another 6 oz, she also lost the kickstand. Goodbye, trusty tent. Goodbye, less trusty kickstand. I won't say we'll miss you.
Mrs. Schmidt, stop reading.
Tomorrow, we'll be entering bear country. We feel prepared. Just like we were for this trip.
Before I get carried away, let me just thank Annette at the Bunk House Motel in Chadron, Nebraska because even though I couldn't find a place to get my legs waxed (see previous post), she made us feel right at home and didn't kick us out when we got bike grease all over, well, everything. This is a great place to stay if you're ever on Route 20.
So back to Wyoming. I think our entrance into Wyoming was the moment when we all realized exactly how incredible and awesome we are. Did I mention we rode our bikes to Wyoming? Have you ever even been to Wyoming? In a car? Probably not. You should, though. There may be only 500,000 people here, but they're all family. That's what we've been told. And they've adopted us. Our first night in Wyoming was after a rough 93-mile day that involved a construction-ridden hill into the wind when it was 100 degrees, dusty, muddy, trucks, you name it. We will never speak of it again. The folks at the Manville Community Alliance Church took us in and gave us use of their kitchen and backyard for the night. Thank you, and we're excited to be on the annual PowerPoint presentation.
From Manville, we basically beat Lance Armstrong as we flew to Casper, WY just in time for my Wyoming Idol audition (see video). In case you were wondering, we'll never know if I won. We didn't have time to stick around for the finals even though my presence was requested. And yes, the winner of Wyoming Idol goes on to compete in the Fox extravaganza.
While I was performing, Melissa met the nicest woman in Wyoming. Sutton kidnapped us and took us to "the most beautiful spot in all of Wyoming." She wasn't lying. Right now we're watching the river flow by as elk and antelope frolic in the surrounding hills. Sutton also took us out to Poor Boys' Steakhouse where we each put 16 oz. of delicious, juicy, mouthwatering, decadent, tender, sumptuous slabs of red meat into our systems which we expect to power us through the looming ... In case we were worried, she and her husband, Rick, also took us out for pasta at Red Lobster the next day for lunch. Thank you both so much for your hospitality and kindness. Meeting people like you is what makes this trip what it is.
A stop at Ragged Edge Bike Shop revealed some slight maintenance issues, and the mechanics were a bit concerned, but duly impressed with my "burliness." They said that the only dude who was more hardcore than we had not only done the trip solo with one outfit, but also strapped a dead bat to his handlebars. Yeah, he wins.
Finally, I have an announcement. After much harassment and many days of suffering both on and off the bike, Lisa has finally purchased a new tent, complete with an escape hatch in the roof. This new item has lowered her total weight by at least 7 pounds. To cut another 6 oz, she also lost the kickstand. Goodbye, trusty tent. Goodbye, less trusty kickstand. I won't say we'll miss you.
Mrs. Schmidt, stop reading.
Tomorrow, we'll be entering bear country. We feel prepared. Just like we were for this trip.
More Donation Shout-outs
Thanks so much to Sophia and Ken, Erica, Jennifer and Tim, and Nor for the donations! You guys are awesome!!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Nebraska
Nebraska has been everything that Iowa was not: flat, windless, and having smooth roads. We love this state! If anyone ever has to bike across Nebraska, they should take Hwy 20, which is one long stretch of (fairly) smooth road that goes through little towns filled with free camping, swimming pools, and amazing museums (see previous post). The only thing they don't seem to have is a place for Freda to get her legs waxed. After nine straight days of biking, we're taking a rest day in Chadron, NE. We were trying to 
capitalize on a predicted easterly wind that was supposed to last until yesterday. I think it blew at about 3mph on the first day and then turned into a headwind for the next three. At least it's flat here.
capitalize on a predicted easterly wind that was supposed to last until yesterday. I think it blew at about 3mph on the first day and then turned into a headwind for the next three. At least it's flat here. Nebraska highlights:
Camping out with Aaron Bullington in Plainsview!
The Klown Doll Museum.
Finding out that my tent doesn't leak! (I just wasn't assembling in correctly...)They make great pie in every town.
The route 20 map
Did we mention it's flat?
We're headed to Wyoming tomorrow. Hoping to be in Casper by Friday to experience not only the Casper State Fair/Rodeo festivities, but also Wyoming Idol! Exciting posts are yet to come.
Iowa
Roadside mulberries. An Iowa highlight.
So it turns out that Iowa's not flat. Ever. In five days of biking across this state I think we encountered about 20 miles that were neither up nor down a hill. And the wind blows all the time at 20mph from the west. I'm convinced that we'll be biking into the wind 90% of the time on this trip, but Freda and Melissa read on some bike website that no matter which way you bike across the country, you'll have the same number of days with a tailwind as with a headwind. I think it's the same website that said Iowa is flat.
Even though winds, hills, and road conditions were less than desirable, the people of Iowa were AMAZING! Thanks to Al and Nancy Schmidt who put us up for 2 days and fed us very large quantities of fruit, ice cream, potato salad, candy, and red meat. Thanks to Armando, Mike, and Tim for letting us camp out in the Grinnell park and to Erin and Steve McDowell who met us that night for dinner. You guys are great! Thanks to Joyce Patterson for all of her hospitality in Boone and to Dave and Linda Grieve for driving over from Ankeny and for dinner at the Golden Corral, where we'd been trying to eat ever since we started this trip. (It was Freda's first Golden 
Corral Buffet experience; she was both excited and appauled at the food choices). Thanks to Tim and Kelly in Sioux City. Tim for the ride to the sporting goods store (which was 5 miles away from where we were staying) and Kelly for the great advice on biking out West and for escorting us through the busy streets of Sioux City, IA at rush hour. He's also our new bike idol. 
Friday, July 3, 2009
Quick video
ok, our time on the computer in Bassett, Nebraska's public library is running short. So we won't be able to talk about the past few days in detail. BUT----! Here is an amazing video from the Klown Museum in Plainview, NE. It was voted Nebraska's "Best Attraction of 2008."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
